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Taking a Break from Your Studies - A Leave of Absence
Taking a leave of absence means taking an authorised temporary break from your studies, usually for one calendar year, which can then be extended to a maximum of two consecutive years.
Why Take a Leave of Absence?
There are a variety of reasons why you may take a leave of absence, these include:
- Health
- Wellbeing
- Finance
- Caring Responsibilities
- Maternity/Paternity
- If unable to secure a placement
- Personal Reasons
Take a leave of absence: step-by-step
Please follow the three-step guide, which includes reaching out for support, making an informed decision to take a Leave of Absence, and returning successfully from a Leave of Absence.
If you are thinking about taking a leave of absence, you must submit an online Leave of Absence application as soon as you stop engaging with your studies to ensure your student record is managed correctly and you are not overpaying tuition fees.
Retrospective requests for leave of absence can have an impact on your student finance and are not normally considered by the university unless you have extenuating circumstances that are evidenced by a medical professional.
Step 1
Start by reaching out for support.
Independent Advice
Step 2
After researching and talking through your options, understand the policies and discuss with your Programme Director.
Understand the Deregistration Policy
Read and understand Ulster Universities Deregistration Policy. Arrange to meet your Programme Director to discuss.
Meet your Programme Director
Discuss your options with the your Programme Director to discuss your options.
Student Finance
Contact Student Finance to see how taking a leave of absence will impact on you financially.
Step 3
If taking the Leave of Absence is the right option for you submit your request.
Returning from Leave of Absence
If you intend to return from your leave of absence, please contact your campus Student Operations. This is important to ensure your student record is up-to-date and reflects your correct tuition fee.
If you receive Student Finance, please get in touch with your Student Operations to complete a resumption of study request to activate your student finance.
Also, contact your Programme Director; if you are unsure who this is, the Student Operations Service will be able to guide you.
Stay Connected and Returning from a Leave of Absence
You can stay connected while you are on your Leave of Absence, and when you are ready to return to your studies, please follow our guidance and support.
Student Services
Understand the key services across the university to enhance your student experience.
Register for Enhanced Returning induction
Online induction specifically for Leave of Absence students returning to study.
Stay Connected on a Leave of Absence
Contact uusuccess@ulster.ac.uk to access the Virtual Learning Resources for students on a Leave of Absence and Returning students.
Independent Advice on your Return
Additional Information
Student Visa Holders and Higher Level Apprenticeship Students will need to follow additional guidance for their programme of study.
Student Visa Holders
Visit Student Visa Rights and Responsibility or contact the UKVI Attendance and Engagement Team.
Higher Level Apprenticeship Students
Leave of absence must be agreed with your Programme Director and must adhere to the Department for the Economy’s Operational Requirements which are updated periodically by DfE.
